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Clarification : Vip and Laurie Grover are the co-chairs for the Marco Island Art League’s annual fundraiser “the pARTy.” On this volunteer committee they have nine subcommittee chairs working with the Grovers. Diana Peck is the sub-chair for entertainment.

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A song about Key West with a country beat was the back drop to many conversations being held between returning, new and potential Art League of Marco Island members who congregated Monday night at the league’s front steps.

Lanterns hung, and bright tablecloths made up the many place settings where people sat to watch Executive Director Chris Neal and President William Morris present a sketch comedy to kick off Monday’s first annual Patio Party — Pavers with a Purpose.

Accordion-style paper fans were placed at each table setting, but the fans weren’t needed. There was a subtle breeze, and the air was dry, which could only mean one thing: The Art League of Marco Island’s season is in full swing.

This year’s Art League of Marco Island’s Annual General Meeting on Monday evening, included its annual election of its board of directors, a comical performance and a party that served more than one purpose — all on its front patio.

“The public has always been welcome at our annual meeting,” Neal said. “But this was the first year we put an emphasis on bringing the public in.”

Neal and Morris’ opening skit was in the style of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, said Art League member and director of its annual pARTy fundraiser Diane Peck.

“It was in typical Saturday Night Live fashion — like the two newscasters,” Peck said of their performance, which also promoted their new paving fundraiser.

Bricks that can be engraved and will be repaving the Art League’s front patio were available for $100 each to “help pave the way” and build “a path from the past to ensure the future of the arts,” according to the order form for the purchase of bricks, which are now available at the Art League.

And, as Neal had reminded guests at Sunday’s Dimensions exhibit, the new fiscal year began Oct. 1. Thus annual memberships were renewed at the Patio Party.

“I joined because of the great food they have at all their events,” new member Marjorie Seltzer said at Sunday’s exhibit opening. “And I felt like I should give back.”

Hotdogs, hamburgers and the Art League’s usual array of refreshments and other treats were served. And, as usual, departing boardmembers were given affectionate goodbyes and new ones were introduced.

“Everyone has a different reason to join,” one of the board’s newest members, Carole Roberts, said.

“It’s a complex organization. There’s a lot to learn,” Roberts said after sitting in on her first board meeting after the Patio Party (eight bylaws were revised Monday night).

“ ...It’s great if you’re new to the community you can meet a lot of people, and I’ve learned a lot by (joining),” Roberts said, who has been an active member and attended calligraphy and faux finishing classes at the Art League.

“Chris is the most wonderful director. And the events are so much fun,” she said, while expressing the Art League’s annual studio tour as one of her favorites. “Oh, it’s great. You get to tour the homes of the artists and see their studios.”

Newcomers learned of this season’s schedule of Art League events, and that they were allowed to carry their wine and food into the gallery.

This year’s theme for the Art League’s annual pARTy was announced: It will be a Swashbuckling Soiree on March 28.

“Pirate costumes of Capt. Jack Sparrow are the most popular Halloween costume this year,” Laurie and Vip Grover said, who are helping Peck plan the Art League’s major fundraiser, its annual pARTy.

“We’re going to make sure this is an event that the whole Island can get excited about,” Vip Grover said.

“We sold some bricks, got new boardmembers. We got a great new sponsorship from M & I Bank (Marco Island),” Neals said at the end of the gathering. “ ... But mostly I’m excited about this whole season.”